Lee, 'Managing the Impact of Z39.50 on Your Library', LITA Newsletter v14n04
URL = http://hegel.lib.ncsu.edu/stacks/serials/lita/lita-v14n04-lee-managing

[v14n4.z3950imp litanews]
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Managing the Impact of Z39.50 on Your Library
Deborah O. Lee


This program, sponsored by LITA's TESLA committee and LAMA's Systems
and Services section, drew a standing-room-only crowd of several hun-
dred people. After some introductory remarks by Ron Leach, the modera-
tor, the three speakers were introduced: Sara Randall (NOTIS Systems
Inc.), James Michael (Data Research Associates) and Mark Hinnebusch
(Florida Center for Library Automation).
   Sara Randall described what Z39.50 is (and isn't) and discussed
some implementation requirements. Randall defined Z39.50 as a national
NISO standard that defines peer-to-peer information retrieval. Unlike
earlier methods, Z39.50 allows the computer to do the hard work of
data retrieval and transmission and permits the user to work with a fa-
miliar interface.
   Current limitations of Z39.50 include the inability to locate serv-
ers with databases of interest or other Z39.50 servers. Patrons will
not be able to request an item found via Z39.50 (on a remote system).
And remote databases can not be updated via Z39.50 (for example, at-
taching holdings). Version 3, the next update of Z39.50, will address
some of these limitations.
   James Michael discussed the implications of Z39.50. According to Mi-
chael, Z39.50 will be an equalizer of information that will allow us-
ers to access information on a remote system in a way that is familiar
to them. This new era of information access requires both vendors and
library managers to develop a vision of the future. Libraries and ven-
dors that fail to develop this vision will find themselves replaced by
new vendors and services.
   Standards such as Z39.50 are tools that, with the proper vision,
will permit libraries to be the major information agency of the fu-
ture. Short-term alliances, such as resource sharing or cooperative
collection development, will need to be augmented by the development
of strategic alliances that focus on long-term development.
   Mark Hinnebusch discussed the future of library services given the
development of Z39.50. Present and future challenges for libraries and
their users include the discovery of relevant information. Libraries
will need search mechanisms that can span multiple servers looking for
the desired information. These mechanisms will need some way to filter
out unwanted information. Users of the future will expect the library
to provide this and other types of information services.
   There are several things library managers can do to prepare for the
future. Managers need to clearly define and evaluate required func-
tions---public access services are now the most important function.
Managers need to keep abreast of technological innovations and the de-
velopment of standards such as Z39.50. Managers will also need to rec-
ognize the professional status of programmers but not place blind
faith in "gurus."
   The program was followed by a lively discussion led by three panel-
ists: Sylvia C. Cornell (Jacksonville Public Library), Anne Edwards
(University of Alabama) and Deborah C. Masters (George Washington Uni-
versity). Panelists raised questions concerning funding, Z39.50 imple-
mentation and the future expansion of Z39.50.
   Overall, the program served its goal of helping library managers un-
derstand the language and potential of Z39.50.